Alex Cusack, a Brisbane-born carpenter, qualified for Ireland through residency and made a spectacular ODI debut against South Africa in 2007, winning the m-of-the-match award for his unbeaten 36 and 3 for 15. He combines nagging medium-pace bowling with sensible batting, and has been highly valued by his coach Phil Simmons for his calm temperament and experience. That was evident during Ireland's famous victory over England in the 2011 World Cup, when Cusack hit a perfectly judged 47, adding 162 with Kevin O'Brien to turn the game around before selflessly sacrificing himself after a mix-up. On slow wickets his bowling can thrive, as when he took 4 for 11 in a Twenty20 game against the West Indies in 2014, although he was mauled in all three games of the 2014 World T20 to raise concerns about his effectiveness on flatter tracks. Despite injury concerns, he remained in Ireland's plans for the 2015 World Cup.
Cricinfo staff

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